Freely you received and Freely you give

Everything Is a Gift – So Live as a Giver; 14th Week in Ordinary Time – Thursday

Genesis 44:18 21. Matthew 10:7, 15

The Word of God teaches us a powerful truth: Life is not something to be earned or owned. It is a gift. And gifts are meant to be shared.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles. But before sending them, He gives them authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom.

Then, He gives them a simple instruction: “Freely you have received; freely give.” 

Jesus reminds His apostles that their mission is not theirs—it’s a gift. The power to heal, the authority to preach, the joy of the Gospel—all are gifts.

And what is the right way to handle a gift? Not to hold it tightly, but to share it generously.

In the 1st Reading, Joseph had every reason to be bitter, now as the governor of Egypt—he could take revenge by his power. He was sold by his own brothers, taken to a foreign land, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. And yet, when he meets his brothers again, he says, “I am Joseph… the one you sold. But do not be distressed, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.”

This is the beauty of faith-filled vision. Joseph does not see himself as a victim. He sees God’s hand even in his suffering. 

He does not say, “I was sold.” He says, “I was sent. That one word makes all the difference.

You have to look at your pain through the eyes of faith, we begin to see purpose. Joseph sees his position not as a reward, but as a gift from God. And because he sees it as a gift, he gives—he forgives, provides food, and embraces his brothers with love. “Come here”

Wherever you go, go with your heart:

• Victim mindset people; play always the victim role, surrounded by negative energies, which will hinder personal growth. 

• The one who sees everything as a gift from God’s will: find joy even in little, forgive without bitterness, and serve without pride.

If you see your time as a gift, you will share it joyfully.

If you see your talents as a gift, you will use them to bless others.

If you see your ministry as a gift, you will serve without expecting reward.

Let us ask ourselves: Do I see my life as a gift? Do I give freely from what I’ve received? Do I believe that even my struggles can be part of God’s plan?  Let us live with the eyes of Joseph and the heart of Christ. Because everything we have is a gift… let us give it away with love.